App glitch causes 'missing' Easytrip load

Some motorists complained about overcharging or suddenly losing load in their Easytrip Radio-frequency identification or RFID stickers.

According to Ivan Mayrina’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, a complainant said he had RFID installed in both of his cars and decided to put both of the ID numbers in only one application.

He said only one of his cars was able to pass through the NLEX scanners, however, his other RFID was charged.

“Pinagsama ko sa app para ma-track ‘yong usage (tapos) lumabas na ‘tong kotseng ito ay nabawasan din pero ang nakalagay na time stamp ng paggamit ay September 27. Malabo dahil October 7 ko na nabili ‘yong RFID," said William Herrera.

"‘Yong isang kotse, hindi pa dumadaan (sa NLEX) pero naka-reflect sa app nila na dumaan na ng tatlong beses sa NLEx scanners,” he added.

Herrera immediately reported the incident to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

Meanwhile, TRB Executive Director Engr. Abraham Sales said he also experienced the same thing.

“Hindi ko naman ginagamit, noong tiningnan ko ‘yong app, P200 na lang. Sabi ko, bakit ganoon? So siyempre pina-check ko, may diperensiya raw ‘yong application, under maintenance,” Sales said.

According to the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the Easytrip application was affected by a glitch over the weekend and that it is continuously working on improving the app.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Chief Communication Officer Romulo Quimbo said users affected by the glitch will automatically be refunded.

“Nagkaroon tayo ng glitch so it was as if two cars ang dumaan doon sa system namin. We have confirmed it internally na hindi naman dalawang beses siya na-charge for the same trip. Hindi lang na-reflect agad sa app,” Quimbo said.

The RFID comes in the form of a sticker that has barcode that can be read by a detector whenever the vehicle passes through tollways.

Starting November 2, toll plazas implemented a cashless system as part of efforts to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission.

The Department of Transportation issued Department Order No. 2020-012 on August 13, which ordered TRB  to ensure that all toll concessionaires and operators will shift to 100% electronic collection not later than November 2 “to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 and subsequently as a means to ensure a more efficient flow of traffic.”

The new payment system will cover NLEx, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx), and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx) under the MPTC.

RFID will also be implemented in San Miguel Corp.(SMC)-operated tollways — the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News